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Vaikom is situated on the western side of Kottayam district in
the Indian state of Kerala. It shares its border with Vembanattu
Kayal (lake). It is the oldest township in Kottayam district and
amongst the oldest in Keralam. Its importance in Indian history
is due to the 'Vaikom Satyagraham' against untouchability, in
which Mahatma Gandhi and Periyar Ramasami participated.
It is easily accessible from Ernakulam, Alappuzha and Kottayam. Mahadeva
temple, also known as Thekkan Kashi (Southern Varanasi), is
situated here and is famous for Ashtami (vaikattashtami). Vaikom
has lots of backwaters and greenery and has a high potential for
tourism. The people living here comprise a mixture of Hindus,
Christians, and Muslims.
Vaikom economy is in a state of flux. The economy was
predominantly based on agriculture up until the 90's. But the
more recent software revolution in India has had its impact on
Vaikom too. Numerous computer training instititues have sprung
up.
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